We are invited along, on the Arthurian group’s pilgrimage to Canterbury. Along the way, a challenge is issued. The best story will be greatly rewarded. The Wife of Bath (Alexis Lane Jensen) swiftly accepts and introduces herself in operatic form. Before we are allowed to hear the tale, we must endure the history of her spectacular love life. As the legendary mishmash unfolds, we witness a kidnapping, two tragic mistakes, and a cameo appearance by Darth Vader. Our hero, Sir Gawain (Steve Beecroft), is dishonored. A young woman has been slain. King Arthur (Alan Coyne) is in despair, for he has accidentally killed a deer belonging to Sir Gromer (Billy Raphael), placing him in debt to the knight. Sir Gromer offers to forgive the transgression if the king will answer a simple question. He has three days to return with the answer. But something is amiss. Is it really an elucidation that Sir Gromer seeks? Or does the plot only thicken from here?

What do women most desire? The king, of course, enlists the aid of his faithful nephew, Sir Gawain. Gawain has a fabulous idea, likely inspired by his knowledge of the herbs. All they need to do is ask the women. It should be a piece of cake!

As is easily predicted, the usual flurry of responses flutter about: Women want men to clean and do housework. They want castles and treasure. They want men to look like Brad Pitt. As it turns out, our brilliant ensemble clearly illuminates the fact that what women want is all kinds of stuff. Unsatisfied, the duo enlists assistance from the audience whose answers may be indicative of the times in which we live. Finally, the king encounters the Ugly Old Crone (Emily Stone). The crone claims to have the solution and will exchange it for a favor of her choosing. The king is predictably quick to accept the offer, not realizing the fate he has placed upon his loyal nephew. The crone’s costume (Paula Dodd Aiello) and Stone’s performance got the point across that this woman was supposed to be aesthetically hideous, but Stone’s beauty is impossible to mask.

You can always anticipate a treat when heading to an original work by Vicki Siegel. Combine Vicki’s adroitness with words, Evan Alparone’s musical prowess, and Steve Beecroft’s quirky choreography, and you can’t possibly walk away disappointed. Bruce Coughran’s direction breathes life into the vision. A staunch feminist, I resist the urge to compose an essay on the answer to the title question. After all, I aver that women want exactly the same things that men do. I will simply state that this show is a must-see. The crone’s answer is powerful. In the end, Sir Gawain is faced with an impossible decision. His choice is elegant.

Not a tango person? No problem; you will be inexplicably ​unable to restrain your tapping foot during Take Back Your Power Blues. Gospel your thing? Hallelujah! The cast is pleasantly well-rounded. Don’t miss the appearances of Chaucer (Bruce Kaplan), and Merlin (Terry Haley). Lady of the Lake is portrayed by Peggy De Coursey, Annette Sousa brings us Lady of the Manor, and Bill Liebman plays Sir Bedevere. Yearning for a great sword fight? You’ll find one here between a couple dashing young knights (Cameron Dodd and Will Reicher). Of course, no Arthurian tale would be complete without the lovely Guinevere, brought to us by Veronica Toro. Ron Houk serves double duty as the Modern Gent and the show’s stage manager. The ensemble is completed by Marsha van Broek, Virginia Corrigan, Kimberly Flynn, Jenna Peters-Ring, Christine Sheppard, and Nils Skudra.

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What do Women Want? - The Marriage of Sir GawainWritten by: Vicki Siegel & Evan AlparoneDirected by: Bruce CoughranWHERE: The Live Oak TheatreWHEN: March 25 - April 16Fridays and Saturdays at 8pmSundays at 2pm